These sound files are extracts (short, edited pieces) from longer oral history interviews preserved by Northumberland Archives. These interviews were made as part of a project to collect the memories of people who lived and worked in Morpeth; “Memories of Morpeth,” 2011. 

Bob was interviewed by Robin Gard, Northumberland County Archivist, 13 September 1971. There is another voice on the recording that hasn’t been identified.  

Bob Reay was a retired miner from Coxlodge near Newcastle. He was 78 years old when the recording was made. He was born in Seaton Terrace, Seaton Delaval around 1894. He spent over 50 years working at the Hazelrigg mine, retiring in 1958. The mine closed in 1964. 

The colliery had a brass band which preformed locally and competed at the Northumberland Miner’s Picnic, which was held in Bedlington (before that Morpeth). They might also go to the Durham Gala, which was the biggest miners’ festival in the North East. Mr Reay used to go the Miner’s Picnic every year and it was a big day out for everyone. He remembers hearing speeches from some of the early Labour Party dignitaries such as Thomas (Tommy) Burt, who was the Father of the House of Commons and Charles (Charlie) Fenwick, MP. Mr Reay himself was not a very political man, although he did go to some of the Lodge meetings. The unions helped organise the arrangements for going to the Picnic and Gala days. 

The first few picnics took place in Blyth, but it was also held in Morpeth for a number of years and was associated with Bedlington in the 1950s-1970s. The event also took place in Tynemouth, Ashington and on the Town Moor in Newcastle. Since the closure of the mines, Museums Northumberland has taken over the organisation of the Picnic. The Picnic has been held at Woodhorn Museum near Ashington since 1992.  

The Picnics were made up of a series of events. To begin with, representatives of the mining communities would march to the meeting place. Each mine would have its own banner and many would also have a brass band that would accompany them on the procession.  

The brass bands entered competitions which were judged on the day of the Picnic. Winning bands were awarded trophies (Burt Challenge Cup and Northern Divisional Coal Board Challenge Cup).  

Communities from around the county also chose beauty queens. Each colliery queen would then compete to become “Picnic Queen” or “Labour Queen” at the Picnic. These two Queens would then sit on a float at the beginning of the procession. 

Once the procession was over speeches would be given by local and national political figures. Famous speakers at the Picnics included Betty Boothroyd, Clement Atlee, Hugh Gaitskell, Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot. 

There were also entertainments for children, including games, funfairs and food.